282
The Great Controversy
of all denominations, urging that if his doctrines were false, he should
be shown his error from the Scriptures.
“What have we believed,” he said, “that we have not been com-
manded to believe by the word of God, which you yourselves allow
is the rule, and only rule, of our faith and practice? What have we
done that should call down such virulent denunciations against us from
pulpit and press, and give you just cause to exclude us [Adventists]
from your churches and fellowship?” “If we are wrong, pray show us
wherein consists our wrong. Show us from the word of God that we
are in error; we have had ridicule enough; that can never convince us
that we are in the wrong; the word of God alone can change our views.
Our conclusions have been formed deliberately and prayerfully, as we
have seen the evidence in the Scriptures.”—Ibid., pages 250, 252.
From age to age the warnings which God has sent to the world
by His servants have been received with like incredulity and unbelief.
When the iniquity of the antediluvians moved Him to bring a flood
[338]
of waters upon the earth, He first made known to them His purpose,
that they might have opportunity to turn from their evil ways. For a
hundred and twenty years was sounded in their ears the warning to
repent, lest the wrath of God be manifested in their destruction. But
the message seemed to them an idle tale, and they believed it not.
Emboldened in their wickedness they mocked the messenger of God,
made light of his entreaties, and even accused him of presumption.
How dare one man stand up against all the great men of the earth? If
Noah’s message were true, why did not all the world see it and believe
it? One man’s assertion against the wisdom of thousands! They would
not credit the warning, nor would they seek shelter in the ark.
Scoffers pointed to the things of nature,—to the unvarying suc-
cession of the seasons, to the blue skies that had never poured out
rain, to the green fields refreshed by the soft dews of night,—and they
cried out: “Doth he not speak parables?” In contempt they declared
the preacher of righteousness to be a wild enthusiast; and they went
on, more eager in their pursuit of pleasure, more intent upon their evil
ways, than before. But their unbelief did not hinder the predicted event.
God bore long with their wickedness, giving them ample opportunity
for repentance; but at the appointed time His judgments were visited
upon the rejecters of His mercy.